Scientists at Stony Brook University searching for health risks in everyday products stumbled upon something that might accelerate aging and increase wrinkling.

“Nano particles such as gold are catalysts for making energy,” Dr. Miriam Rafailovich said.

The energy in gold nano particles — infinitesimal flecks of matter — is showing up in some of our makeup, in some pills we swallow, and in some I.V.s used before M.R.I. scans.

“Size matters, the amount matters, and where the material ends up in your body will matter,” said Stony brook’s Dr. Marcia Simon.

The gold nano particles instantly and easily penetrate adult stem cells and could travel to the spleen and liver. They also seem to affect collagen, which is important for skin elasticity, researchers said.

“So the skin tissue will become a little harder, a little bit more brittle,” Dr. Tatsiana Mironava said.

Currently, makeup manufacturers are not required to list content of gold nano particles, but some scientists and consumers want stricter FDA control.

The findings should be taken with a dose of caution. The studies were done in lab dishes. Clinical trials on humans are only now beginning, researchers said.